A spokesman of China's Ministry of Science and Technology said Wednesday that his ministry will organize 10 nationwide events from May 15 to 21 to promote science and technology awareness among the public.

Shi Dinghuan said that many events during the 2004 National Science Week will focus on life sciences and public health knowledge, which might help people to shape healthy lifestyles.

Meanwhile, Shi said, organizers will help rural people to gain modern know-how on farming and other fields of agriculture.

The nationwide events will include exhibitions, park gatherings with science themes, lectures and a consultation tour of scientists and technologists to rural areas in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, the country's farm produce basket.

The organizing committee has already invited representatives from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the European Union Commission to attend some events during the week, which is scheduled to begin with an inauguration Saturday morning.

Students from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions are also invited to participate.

The Chinese Government has named the third week of May as the national science week since 2001. The Ministry of Science and Technology, the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the China Association for Science and Technology organize the annual public education drive.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2004)